This Saturday, the trade union movement will come together in London to demand action on the cost of living and a decent pay. It’s clearer every day that this Tory Government has nothing to offer working people.
They pledged higher wages, levelling up and improved rights at work. They promised an Employment Bill at least 20 times. But when it came down to it, the Queen’s Speech was empty. Those promises were broken.
As prices spiral and real wages fall, the UK is set for higher inflation than any of our neighbours. All while the Prime Minister flies on a private jet funded by taxpayers’ for a botched relaunch of his failed premiership.
As a single Mum who needed income support when I was younger, I understand how crucial that support is, as a path back to work and dignity.
But today working people are turning to food banks because their wages haven’t kept pace with their living costs. I know that feeling in the pit of your stomach all too well - when you have more month than money, but there’s food to buy, bills to pay and the kids need clothes.
Labour believe that people deserve high quality, secure jobs, and a fair day’s pay for a day’s work. Everyone should have a job they can build a life on, and the security to start a family. No matter who you are or what job you do.
The Tory Government has conned working people and pinched their pay for too long. Their decade-long attack on workers’ rights must come to an end.
The driving mission of the next Labour Government will be a New Deal for Working People, ending the poverty wages and insecure work that blights millions of lives.
Under Keir Starmer, this New Deal will be written into law within 100 days of our election. Labour will introduce fair pay agreements, bringing together workers and employers to agree new legal standards of fair pay and conditions, starting in social care.
On Saturday, we will send a message and stand up for trade union rights, a proper pay rise, dignity and respect at work – and for real help with the cost of living.
The Labour Party has a proud history of being the party of working people, for working people. Britain deserves better than Boris Johnson’s Conservatives. This Saturday, I’ll be standing proudly shoulder to shoulder with our unions to demand it.
